Slippery slopes for golden heels
By Hilde Elbers
The medieval-Latin poem Stabat Mater that became part of the Catholic liturgy describes the immense grief of a mother for her son dying for the sins of mankind. The poem prompted choreographer Hilde Elbers to take a closer and critical look at the concept of original sin. The original message is unambiguous: in order to return to the Garden, we must redeem ourselves.
In Slippery slopes for golden heels, Hilde says a powerful no to that original idea of guilt. No to the eternal urge to prove it and the compelling thoughts we have enslaved ourselves to. In a duet as ritualistic as it is earthy, two dancers reclaim their place, their right to just be there: sensual but blameless, cruel and gentle at the same time. Petrified layers peel off as old skin falls off them, pinching costumes and old habits tear them loose. What atonement? What remains is the joy of trust and uninhibited femininity.
